The Instrumental Side of Corporal Punishment: Parents' Reported Practices and Outcome Expectancies.

Holden, George W.; Miller, Pamela C.; Harris, Susan D.

Journal of Marriage and the Family, v61 n4 p908-19 Nov 1999

Reports on two studies that assessed the relationship between mothers' and fathers' disciplinary practices with three-year-olds and outcome expectancies. Mothers who used corporal punishment at least once a week believed that it was more likely to result in positive outcomes than mothers who never or occasionally spanked. No significant differences were found between mothers and fathers on attitudes towards spanking. (Author/JDM)